Possible Complications

Your doctor will review any possible complications with you.
Complications from a blood transfusion are rare, but may include:

Severe reactions due to allergies, volume overload, iron build up, and the mismatching of blood types. Hospitals have several steps to make sure blood is correctly matched.

Certain infections, such as hepatitis or
HIV, can be passed on during blood transfusions. There are many steps and tests that are done to thoroughly check donated blood before anyone is allowed to receive it.

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

You will have a blood test to determine your specific blood type. The donor blood will be carefully matched to your blood type.

You may also be given a physical exam. Your vital signs, including your temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure, will be recorded.

You may be given medications before you receive a transfusion. These drugs will help reduce any minor allergic reactions.

Description of the Procedure

You will be asked to sit in a comfortable chair. A bag containing the blood product will be hung nearby. An IV needle will be placed into a vein in your hand or arm. The blood product will drip slowly from the bag through a tube into your vein. After the bag of blood product is empty, the needle in your arm will be removed.

Throughout the transfusion, your vital signs will be checked regularly. You will also be asked about pain, itching, or discomfort. Most reactions occur early in a blood transfusion, so you will be monitored more closely during the first 15 minutes.

How Long Will It Take?

About 2–4 hours

Will It Hurt?

The placement of the IV needle is uncomfortable. After the needle is in place, it should not cause pain.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

Immediately following your procedure, the staff may provide the following care:

You will be monitored closely.

Your doctor may give you specific instructions based on your overall condition.

Your doctor may order blood tests to determine how effective the transfusion was.

At Home

When you return home after the transfusion, carefully follow your doctor’s advice regarding any activity restrictions or other
instructions.

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction or infection, such as:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

What is a blood transfusion? National Heart Lung and Blood Institute website. Available at:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/bt. Updated January 30, 2012. Accessed January 14, 2016.